Ciao everyone, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet - PinkTutuMilan! It's Wednesday, November 25th, 2009, and guess where I am? That's right, fabulous Milan, Italy! The fashion capital, the land of high-fashion, beautiful architecture, and… delicious food. This is the fifth time I've come to Milan, and I can tell you, it just keeps getting better with each visit.
As always, I’ve arrived with a trolley suitcase full of gorgeous outfits – and, naturally, plenty of tutus! Pink, of course! (Is there really any other colour?) And this week I'm already starting to put them to good use!
Yesterday, I stepped off the train from Derbyshire and whoosh! straight into a whirlwind of Milanese life! The city's vibrant energy just pulls you in – all the chic shops, cafes with tables spilling out onto the pavement, the endless buzz of laughter and conversation… and don't even get me started on the amazing architecture! My favourite, so far, is the Milan Cathedral. It's breathtaking, a real masterpiece!
Speaking of breathtaking, the highlight of my trip so far has to be the Teatro alla Scala. I got lucky with tickets and saw "Tosca," a masterpiece of Italian opera, performed by some of the most talented singers I've ever seen! It was pure magic! And then, you won't believe this – as I walked out of the theater, who did I see standing by the stage door? None other than the maestro himself! He smiled at me, we chatted for a moment (I’m pretty sure he complimented my tutu), and I’ve never been more star-struck in my life!
Let's talk fashion. Milan is, of course, the epitome of style! Today I indulged myself in a spot of serious shopping therapy, exploring some of the boutiques on Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. I love this kind of shopping: the boutiques are so unique, each one filled with its own special flavour. I ended up with a gorgeous silk scarf with a delicate rose print that’s just perfect for adding a splash of colour to any outfit. I might even pair it with a pink tutu for that extra bit of sparkle! 😉
The weather here is fantastic: clear blue skies, crisp air and sunshine! It's absolutely perfect for taking a stroll along the canals and watching the boats go by, soaking in the views of Milan’s iconic landmarks and, of course, finding the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious Gelato. Today’s flavour was Pistacchio, if you're wondering… and yes, it lived up to my high standards!
Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without indulging in the city’s food culture. I've already had some incredible food: thin crust pizzas with melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, melt-in-your-mouth ravioli (the cheese was divine!) and fresh pasta topped with vibrant tomato sauces. I also managed to find a fantastic little bakery just a few steps from my hotel that serves the most decadent chocolate croissants you've ever tasted… Honestly, my sweet tooth has been thoroughly satiated this week!
One of my favourite things to do in a new city is to explore by tram or train. They’re a brilliant way to see the city, feel the pulse of life and even sneak in a bit of ballet practice on the way! 😜 There's just something special about travelling in a city with history, where you can almost feel the past coming alive.
As a ballerina, my time in Milan has been enriched by all the wonderful opportunities for dancing. I was so excited to learn about the Ballet Teatro dell’Opera di Roma – they’re doing an amazing production of "Giselle" here at the Teatro alla Scala next month, and I'm hoping to snag some tickets.
There are also so many studios here! Today I went for a fantastic barre class, where I discovered I have a lot more strength than I thought! The instructor, Francesca, is a brilliant teacher and incredibly motivating. It’s great to be surrounded by fellow dance lovers, all inspiring and pushing each other to be better dancers!
Now, if you’ve made it all the way to the end of this post, you know I have to ask… Are you wearing your pink tutu today? I’m dreaming of a world where pink tutus are a part of everyday wear! A tutu is more than just a costume - it's a statement, a symbol of confidence, fun, and of course, dance! I dare you to try it out this week and share your experience with me.
Be sure to stay tuned for more from #PinkTutuMilan! I'll be posting again next Monday with lots of exciting news and photos, including what I'll be doing with my gorgeous silk scarf (I've got a little fashion project in mind…)
Until then, have a fantastic week, and remember to twirl and sparkle!
Ciao for now, Emma PinkTutuMilan www.pink-tutu.com
